🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this irresistible dessert:
- 1 cup of uncooked short-grain or medium-grain rice
- 4 cups whole milk (you may use a mix of milk and cream for extra richness)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- A pinch of salt
- 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and diced into small cubes)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for caramelizing the apples)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for sautéing apples)
- Extra cinnamon for dusting on top
🍳 Preparing the Apples
Begin by preparing the apples, which are the star of this dish. Peel and dice them into small cubes — not too big, or they’ll remain firm after baking, and not too small, or they’ll lose their shape. Melt a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add the diced apples and brown sugar. Stir gently for about 5–7 minutes until the apples soften slightly and develop a golden glaze. Sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon to enhance the aroma. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the pudding base.
🍚 Making the Rice Pudding Base
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine rice, milk, granulated sugar, salt, and butter. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom. Continue cooking until the rice becomes tender and the mixture thickens — about 25–30 minutes. The consistency should be creamy but not overly thick, as it will continue to firm up while baking.
🥚 Creating the Custard Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and vanilla extract until smooth. Once the rice mixture has slightly cooled (lukewarm, not hot), slowly incorporate the egg mixture while stirring continuously. This step is crucial — if added while too hot, the eggs might curdle. The custard base adds a luxurious creaminess and helps the pudding set beautifully in the oven.
🍎 Combining Apples and Pudding
Gently fold the sautéed apples into the rice custard mixture, distributing them evenly. You can reserve a handful of apples to sprinkle on top before baking for a beautiful golden crust. The contrast between the tender pudding and caramelized apple chunks is what makes this dessert truly decadent.
🔥 Baking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease a medium-sized ovenproof dish or several small ramekins with butter.
- Pour the mixture into the dish(es), smoothing the surface with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the reserved apples and a dash of cinnamon over the top.
- Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set but still creamy inside.
- Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
🌬️ Serving Suggestions
Serve warm for the ultimate comfort experience, or chill in the refrigerator for a firmer texture. For extra indulgence, try one of these toppings:
- A dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
- A drizzle of caramel sauce
- A sprinkle of toasted nuts like walnuts or almonds
- A dusting of powdered cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth
🧊 Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This pudding stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply cover with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. To reheat, warm in the oven or microwave with a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture. You can also prepare it a day ahead — the flavors intensify beautifully overnight.
🍽️ Nutritional Insights
While indulgent, this dish offers nutritional value too. Apples bring in fiber and natural sweetness, while milk provides calcium and protein. For a lighter version, you can substitute part of the milk with almond milk and use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar. Those looking for a richer dessert can add a few tablespoons of cream or condensed milk.
🧠 Useful Tips for Perfect Results
- Choose the right rice: Short-grain or medium-grain rice yields the creamiest texture. Avoid long-grain rice, which tends to remain separate.
- Do not rush cooking the rice: Low and slow heat ensures even cooking and prevents burning.
- Temper the eggs properly: Add them gradually to avoid curdling.
- Balance sweetness: Taste the mixture before baking — apples add natural sweetness, so adjust sugar accordingly.
- Let it rest: The pudding thickens as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems slightly runny when fresh from the oven.
🍁 Variations to Try
- Cinnamon Raisin Twist: Add a handful of raisins soaked in warm milk or rum.
- Apple-Pear Fusion: Combine diced apples and pears for a more complex flavor.
- Vegan Option: Replace milk with coconut milk and use cornstarch instead of eggs for thickening.
- Caramel Apple Pudding: Drizzle caramel syrup on top before baking for an irresistible finish.
🎉 Perfect Occasions for Serving
This baked apple rice pudding shines at family gatherings, potlucks, or festive holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. It also makes an excellent breakfast treat on cold mornings, paired with coffee or tea. Its inviting aroma and rich flavor make it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
💬 Final Thoughts
A well-made baked apple rice pudding is more than just a dessert — it’s a story of tradition, comfort, and the joy of home-cooked food. Every bite reminds us of warmth, love, and simplicity. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner looking for something heartwarming, this recipe delivers both comfort and elegance.
📜 Printable Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Serves: 4–6
Ingredients:
- Rice, milk, sugar, eggs, butter, apples, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg
Instructions:
- Cook rice with milk, butter, and sugar.
- Sauté apples in butter and brown sugar.
- Combine rice mixture with eggs and vanilla.
- Fold in apples, pour into a baking dish, and bake until golden.
- Serve warm or chilled.
🌟 Conclusion
This Baked Apple Rice Pudding is a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. With its velvety texture, caramelized apple topping, and comforting aroma, it’s a dish that feels timeless — one you’ll return to again and again.